Feature

Port Stephens residents say they’re not coping with the impacts of a chemical spill from the Williamtown RAAF Base. Tonight, in the second part of a special report, we look at how families are dealing with the issue, in the lead-up to Christmas. WATCH PART 1 HERE

It’s the agency tasked to protect the people, now the Department of Defence is under investigation for how it handled a chemical spill that’s turned a small community north of Newcastle on its head. Defence officials will be grilled this week, when a senate inquiry travels to Newcastle to investigate a toxic leak from the Williamtown RAAF Base. NBN reporter Georgina Smyth delves a little deeper into the issue. WATCH PART 2 HERE

A Newcastle drummer is striking a chord with millions of people online, in videos paying homage to a catalogue of famous rockers. For his latest effort, Kye Smith chose an iconic location, to honour the biggest band of all.

A Newcastle woman has taken the global plight of bees into her own hands, by encouraging people to keep hives in their backyard. Kelly-Anne Lees maintains the colonies and later harvests uniquely-flavoured Newcastle honey.

For the 105,000 Australians who sleep rough every night, the streets are a cold, harsh and unforgiving place. But in Newcastle one woman, armed with a warm drink and a friendly smile, is giving hope to the city’s homeless. She’s known as the night angel, and for her, providing comfort isn’t a chore, it’s a labour of love. To find out more: www.newcastlenightangels.com.au

Restoring hope where all has been lost – that’s the vision and success of a special retreat for women in the Hunter Valley. Destiny Haven is a residential programme unlike any other, where women troubled by past traumas or major issues like addiction come for help. Some don’t go the distance, but for those who succeed, it’s life-changing.

The Hunter’s known for its mining – but tonight we meet three residents who have been chipping away at a very different career. From immortalising sporting greats, to highlighting mental illness, they’re sculptors who’ve carved out national and international reputations. Michael Cain reports.

After witnessing 21-year-old Tahlia Smith’s struggle with Lyme Disease on NBN News, a group of generous youngsters decided to spend their time in a very special way. Mackenzie and Georgia Chenhall know all too well the devastating effect Lyme disease can have on a family- it’s something they’ve lived through. In a recent NBN News series, the girls’ mother, Coreena spoke of her battle against both the illness and the Australian health system in an attempt to reclaim her life. But it was the story of Tahlia Smith the sisters found particularly confronting. So- they decided to do something about it. Enlisting the help of friends, they created a car washing service to help raise money for the 21 year-old’s treatment. After door knocking across the neighbourhood- the group managed to drum up business – so much – it was …

The Australian dance troupe, Tap Dogs, has entertained audiences on some of the world’s biggest stages. But now there’s a new breed of performers following in their footsteps… and keeping alive a dream that started in Newcastle. Michael Cain reports.

The Australian dance troupe, Tap Dogs, has entertained audiences on some of the world’s biggest stages. But now there’s a new breed of performers following in their footsteps… and keeping alive a dream that started in Newcastle. Michael Cain reports.